Announcements

Watson Welcomes New Director of Information Technology

Watson Realty Corp. is pleased to announce Kevin Porter as their new Information Technology Director.

In his new position, Porter will be applying his expertise in information technology services and systems management.

Porter has 25 years of experience in IT designing, implementing, and supporting enterprise solutions, managing technical projects, and overseeing IT departments. He has a deep background in IT solutions for the healthcare industry, including working as Director of IT for Baptist and Ingenios Health, providing leadership and securing efficiency and compliance of internal platforms, data systems, and infrastructures.

Porter holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Florida and was a Systems Administrator/Aviation Electronics Technician for the U.S. Navy for four years. He was a former board member and Communications Director of the Northeast Florida Chapter of the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) from 2010-14 and President of the Jacksonville SharePoint Users Group (JaxSPUG) from 2010 to 2012.

In her new role, Vlah will have oversight of global relocation services and asset management services for the company’s entire footprint.

Vlah joined Watson Realty Corp. in June of 2005. She has been an integral part of the growth of the Relocation Services division and very active in the relocation industry. Vlah is in her second year as president of SHRM Jacksonville, a former member of both the RELO Direct Advisory Council & Economic Development Council with the Jacksonville Chamber, as well as a recipient of the “40 Under 40” award presented by the Jacksonville Business Journal. Prior to joining Watson, Vlah lived in the Orlando area for almost a decade where she worked in the real estate industry.

"I’m fortunate to have seen the evolution of our relocation division, which resulted in tremendous success, and I’m looking forward to the collaboration between Judy Bissell, VP, Director of Relocation, and Sharon Juhasz, VP, Manager, Real Estate Services," said Vlah. "Together, with our team of talented professionals, we will execute a strategy taking us to the next level carrying on that legacy."

Watson Realty Corp. is pleased to announce the appointment of Carlotta W. Landschoot as Chief Operating Officer, a newly created position.

Landschoot, a 25-year veteran of the company, will oversee core operations including marketing, relocation, information technology, training, and ebusiness. Landschoot, the eldest daughter of Watson Founder and Chairman of the Board, William A. Watson, Jr., has earned a reputation of excellence in the real estate and relocation community and is poised to help lead the organization to the next level.

After earning her Bachelor’s degree from Clemson University and her Master’s from Florida State University, Landschoot charted her own course by obtaining her CPA license and accepting a position with Price Waterhouse. After seven years of auditing large corporations and having the opportunity to see their inner workings, her father persuaded her to join the company as Chief Financial Officer. Soon following, she was promoted to VP/Director of Relocation. Over the decades, she was appointed to the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® (LeadingRE) Advisory Council where she ultimately became Chairman.

She has been active over the years in industry groups and has received numerous awards and recognition. Her most notable achievement was orchestrating the activities of the company to be the recipient of the coveted Diamond Award from LeadingRE on five different occasions.

"I look forward to continuing to work with our ‘best in class’ leaders to propel the company to new heights," said Landschoot.

Watson Associate Gonzalo Mejia Named Florida Realtors Educator of the Year

08/24/18 by
Danielle Stedham

Watson Associate Gonzalo Mejia has been named Florida Realtors Educator of the Year for 2018.

Mejia is a member of the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors (NEFAR) and a passionate proponent of the value of education and professional development. Gonzalo works out of the San Jose Watson office.

In addition to teaching education classes at his local board, he also serves as an instructor for New Member Orientation, helping novice members learn about antitrust and fair-housing regulations, the REALTOR ® Code of Ethics and the benefits of REALTOR ® membership. Mejia was named as NEFAR's Educator of the Year in 2014 and named NEFAR’s Realtor of the Year for 2016.

Originally from Lima, Peru, Mejia helped produce a Spanish version of the Code of Ethics class for Florida Realtors. Mejia utilizes his 14 years of real estate experience to teach Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI) topics such as professional standards, law, finance, brokerage and international business. He is a member of the state association's Professional Development, Diversity and Global Business committees, as well as the YPN (Young Professionals Network) Advisory Group. He graduated from Florida Realtors Leadership Academy in 2012 and currently serves as the 2018 chairman for the program.

Mejia also is an instructor for the National Association of Realtors (NAR), teaching multiple designation/certification courses. Mejia is an international speaker, having spoken for NAR's latest annual convention and taught a social media class for NAR at the Camara Inmobiliaria Uruguaya (CIU) in Montevideo, Uruguay.

“I believe the most important part of any journey is to enjoy the process and have as much fun as you can while doing it,” Mejia said.